CME Group to Launch 24/7 Crypto Futures and Options Trading in Early 2026
- CME Group plans to offer around-the-clock trading for its cryptocurrency futures and options markets starting in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
- Currently, trading in CME’s crypto products pauses on weekends and outside business hours.
- Products available will include bitcoin and ether futures and options.
- CME is the world’s leading exchange for BTC and ETH futures by open interest, with $16.8 billion and $9.8 billion in notional value of contracts, respectively.
- Tim McCourt, CME’s global head of equities, noted that client demand for continuous trading has increased significantly.
The introduction of a continuous trading model aims to meet growing client needs for risk management in the cryptocurrency market. This shift could also enhance CME’s competitive edge over less-regulated offshore platforms offering similar services.
If approved, the new trading hours would allow institutional investors greater flexibility while maintaining a regulated environment, aligning with the $16.8 billion open interest in BTC futures at CME.(Source)
